Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Sign A Mega Top Star Ahead Of…

As 30 NFL teams look toward the 2024 offseason and just one game remains in the playoffs — the San Francisco 49ers will meet the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII — we’re taking a look at what lies ahead over the next two months, with free agency set to kick off in March.

We asked our NFL Nation writers to pick the one player from the team they cover whose contract status will shape that franchise’s offseason the most. The list includes a few quarterbacks who led their teams to the playoffs, a handful of top running backs, a star wide receiver from the AFC North and a Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle who had a lengthy holdout last offseason.

This could just as easily be wide receiver Gabe Davis, who said he plans to explore free agency in March, but the only defensive tackle from the 53-man roster under contract for 2024 is Ed Oliver. That’s in addition to multiple free agents at defensive end. Jones was a key starter alongside Oliver when healthy (Jones missed nine games due to a torn pectoral suffered in Week 5), and bringing him back would make a lot of sense, but with Buffalo dealing with a tight cap situation, actually doing so might not be easy.

“We missed DaQuan when he got hurt in London, and I told him as much [Monday],” general manager Brandon Beane said. “… He’s earned the right to test his market and see what it looks like. But we would be a fool not to entertain bringing him back.” — Alaina Getzenberg

The Dolphins and Wilkins failed to reach an agreement last offseason and agreed to table conversations until after the regular season. Well, the 2019 first-round pick turned in a career year with nine sacks and appears to be in a stronger position to negotiate than he was in 2023.

Miami extended Wilkins’ partner at defensive tackle, Zach Sieler, two weeks before the season started but would still need to find a replacement for Wilkins if the sides are once again unable to reach an agreement. Money is tight in Miami — the Dolphins are $55.3 million over the projected cap, according to Roster Management System — but re-signing Wilkins should be a priority. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

The 2020 sixth-rounder has developed into a capable starter at right guard and/or right tackle, putting him in line for a big payday. Team owner Robert Kraft said championship teams draft well, and Onwenu is a good example of the type of player the franchise has developed and thus should feel comfortable signing to a second contract. Failing to do so would create a hole to fill on the offensive line, which is already one of the team’s top areas of need. — Mike Reiss

Huff, who made the team four years ago as an undrafted free agent, is likely seeking at least $15 million per year after recording a career-high 10 sacks. The Jets want to keep Huff, their most dynamic edge player, but they drafted edge rushers Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson in each of the past two first rounds. It will be hard to retain Huff, who wants to be an every-down player. The franchise tag is an outside possibility. — Rich Cimini

Madubuike was arguably the biggest breakout in the league this season, becoming the NFL’s best interior pass-rusher. He had 13 sacks in his contract year after totaling 8.5 sacks combined in his first three seasons.

The Ravens, who have tried to sign Madubuike to a new deal, are expected to place the franchise tag on him to keep him from becoming a free agent. The tag, which was around $19 million for defensive tackles last year, would limit what an already-cap-limited team (the Ravens are $638K over the projected cap) can do in free agency. — Jamison Hensley

The Bengals will have to make an important decision on the 2020 second-round pick, who is at the end of his rookie contract. He had an off year in 2023 largely due to injuries, catching 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns, but he averaged 71.7 receptions, 1,009.3 yards and 6.3 touchdowns per season from 2020-22.

Higgins is a prime candidate to receive the franchise tag, which is estimated to be worth $21.7 million. With Ja’Marr Chase still on his rookie contract and Joe Burrow’s mega extension not set to take full effect until 2025, Cincinnati can afford to keep the trio together for at least one more season. — Ben Baby